Retrospective case-control study on radiation dose for uterine artery embolization procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine artery embolization is performed in pre-menopausal women. Understanding the contribution of radiation dose at each stage of the procedure is important for potential dose reduction. The aim was to retrospectively analyse radiation dose on a per-procedural-stage basis, comparing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and conventional roadmap (CRM). METHODS: Group A consisted of 50 patients where DSA was used for road mapping at all stages: (I) Aortogram, (II) Left internal iliac artery (IIA) DSA, (III) Left uterine artery (UA) DSA, (IV) Right IIA DSA and (V) Right UA DSA. Group B included 50 patients, where CRM was used for road mapping at stages (II) and (IV). RESULTS: For Group A, mean total dose-area product (DAP) was 39.7 Gy·cm2; mean DAP for each stage were (I) Aortogram = 3.4 Gy·cm2, (II) Left IIA DSA = 5.9 Gy·cm2, (III) Left UA DSA = 3.2 Gy·cm2, (IV) Right IIA DSA = 5.5 Gy·cm2 and (V) Right UA DSA = 3.0 Gy·cm2. For Group B, mean total DAP was 33.6 Gy·cm2, mean DAP for each stage were (I) Aortogram = 3.3 Gy·cm2, (II) Left IIA CRM = 1.5 Gy·cm2, (III) Left UA DSA = 3.3 Gy·cm2, (IV) Right IIA CRM = 1.5 Gy·cm2 and (V) Right UA DSA = 3.3 Gy·cm2. Fluoroscopy time was 10 and 9.4 min for Groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSION: The highest road-mapping radiation dose contribution was from bilateral IIA DSA. The use of CRM, intermittent fluoroscopy and elimination of the aortogram is recommended to further reduce procedural radiation dose.

Comparison of image quality assessments between interventional radiographers and interventional radiologists using digital subtraction angiography.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to compare the image quality assessments of vascular anatomy between interventional radiographers and interventional radiologists using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) runs acquired during an interventional radiology procedure. Approach: Visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis was used to assess image quality by comparing two groups of images, where one group consisted of procedures in which radiation dose was optimized (group A, n = 10 ) and one group where dose optimization was not performed (group B, n = 10 ). The radiation dose parameters were optimized based on theoretical and empirical evidence to achieve radiation dose reductions during uterine artery embolization procedures. The two observer groups comprised of interventional radiologists ( n = 4 ) and interventional radiographers ( n = 4 ). Each observer rated the image quality of 20 DSA runs using a five-point rating scale. Results: The VGC analysis produced an area under the VGC curve ( AUC VGC ) of 0.55 for interventional radiographers ( P = 0.61 ) and AUCVGC of 0.52 for interventional radiologists ( P = 0.83 ). The optimization of radiation dose parameters demonstrated a reduction in kerma-area product by 35% ( P = 0.026 , d = 0.5 ) and reference air kerma (Ka, r ) by 43% ( P = 0.042 , d = 0.5 ) between group A and group B. Conclusions: VGC analysis indicated that the image quality assessments of interventional radiographers were comparable with interventional radiologists, where a reduction in radiation dose revealed no effect on both observer groups regarding their image quality assessment of vascular anatomy.

Predictors of radiation dose for uterine artery embolisation are angiography system-dependent.

This study sought to achieve radiation dose reductions for patients receiving uterine artery embolisation (UAE) by evaluating radiation dose measurements for the preceding generation (Allura) and upgraded (Azurion) angiography system. Previous UAE regression models in the literature could not be applied to this centre's practice due to being based on different angiography systems and radiation dose predictor variables. The aims of this study were to establish whether radiation dose is reduced with the upgraded angiography system and to develop a regression model to determine predictors of radiation dose specific to the upgraded angiography system. A comparison between Group I (Allura,n= 95) and Group II (Azurion,n= 95) demonstrated a significant reduction in kerma-area product (KAP) and Ka, r (reference air kerma) by 63% (143.2 Gy cm2vs 52.9 Gy cm2;P< 0.001,d= 0.8) and 67% (0.6 Gy vs 0.2 Gy;P< 0.001,d= 0.8), respectively. The multivariable linear regression (MLR) model identified the UAE radiation dose predictors for KAP on the upgraded angiography system as total fluoroscopy dose, Ka, r, and total uterus volume. The predictive accuracy of the MLR model was assessed using a Bland-Altman plot. The mean difference was 0.39 Gy cm2and the limits of agreement were +28.49 and -27.71 Gy cm2, and thus illustrated no proportional bias. The resultant MLR model was considered system-dependent and validated the upgraded angiography system and its advance capabilities to significantly reduce radiation dose. Interventional radiologist and interventional radiographer familiarisation of the system's features and the implementation of the newly established MLR model would further facilitate dose optimisation for all centres performing UAE procedures using the upgraded angiography system.

UTERINE ARTERY EMBOLISATION: CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT REDUCES RADIATION DOSE WHILE MAINTAINING IMAGE QUALITY.

The purpose of this study was to introduce a continuous quality improvement (CQI) program for radiation dose optimisation during uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and assess its impact on dose reduction and image quality. The CQI program investigated the effects of optimising radiation dose parameters on the kerma-area product (KAP) and image quality when comparing a 'CQI intervention' group (n = 50) and 'Control' group (n = 50). Visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis was used to assess image quality, using the 'Control' group as a reference. A significant reduction in KAP by 17% (P = 0.041, d = 0.2) and reference air kerma (Ka, r) by 20% (P = 0.027, d = 0.2) was shown between the two groups. The VGC analysis resulted in an area under the VGC curve (AUCVGC) of 0.54, indicating no significant difference in image quality between the two groups (P = 0.670). The implementation of the CQI program and optimisation of radiation dose parameters improved the UAE radiation dose practices at our centre. The dose reduction demonstrated no detrimental effects on image quality.

Long-term durability of uterine artery embolisation for treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis.

BACKGROUND: Failing conservative therapies, uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has been proposed as a uterine-sparing option for treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis. UAE appears effective at short-term; however long-term durability is less well established. AIMS: To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of UAE for treatment of adenomyosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and four women with initial clinical success following UAE for adenomyosis (results previously published) were further followed with a two-part online survey. Part one inquired about menopause, symptom recurrence, need for further intervention and overall satisfaction. Part two comprised the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and health-related Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire. Maintenance of clinical success was defined as remaining 'happy' or 'very happy' with overall outcome, no recurrence of symptoms, or need for further intervention. RESULTS: Of those women with initial success, 91/104 (88%) participated in this long-term study at mean 52 months following UAE. Maintenance of clinical success was demonstrated in 82/91 (90%) women. For the remaining 9/91 (10%) women, mean time to failure was 31 months. There were 53/91 (58%) women who reached menopause at mean age of 51.5 years, occurring at mean 30 months post-UAE. UFS-QOL demonstrated significant decrease in symptom severity from 58.9 to 20.0 (P < 0.001); and significant increase in QOL from 40.3 to 86.3 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term durability of UAE for treatment of adenomyosis was demonstrated, with cumulative success rate of 80% at mean 52 months. UAE did not appear to bring forward menopause. UAE should be considered as an alternative to hysterectomy to treat adenomyosis.

Identifying predictors of patient radiation dose during uterine artery embolisation.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is regarded as a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids and/or adenomyosis. Dose reduction during UAE is critical for this reproductive-age patient population to minimise the risks of radiation-induced effects. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of radiation dose which can be controlled and optimised for patients during UAE. METHODS: A total of 150 patients between June 2018 and August 2019 were included in this study. Demographic and clinical information such as age, body mass index (BMI), total number of fibroids, total fibroid volume, total uterus volume and dosimetric measurements on Dose Area Product (DAP), Air Kerma (AK) and fluoroscopy time were recorded. Total digital subtraction angiography (DSA), total conventional roadmap (CRM), total last-image hold (LIH) and total fluoroscopy were calculated from the dose report. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictor variables of total dose (DAP) using a regression model. RESULTS: Total DSA, total CRM and total LIH were identified as the determinants of dose for UAE (P < 0.05) and together accounted for 95.2% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the key imaging predictors of dose for UAE. Total DSA, total CRM and total LIH were shown to have a greater impact on the outcome DAP compared to other demographic or dosimetric measurements. Optimisation of these predictors during future UAE procedures can facilitate radiation dose reduction to the pelvis and reproductive organs.

The factors contributing to the total radiation exposure of patients during uterine artery embolisation.

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an interventional angiography procedure for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids and/or adenomyosis in women. UAE is a less invasive and non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. However, ionising radiation is used for both fluoroscopic and angiographic image guidance to visualise and access the uterine arteries for embolisation and treatment of these benign conditions. Identifying the contributors and implementing dose reduction techniques are particularly important as UAE patients are usually of child-bearing age. The purpose of this review was to examine the progression of literature on radiation exposure measurements and identifying the factors contributing to the total radiation exposure of female patients undergoing UAE. A Medline, ProQuest Central, ScienceDirect and Scopus database search from 2000 to 2018 was performed and forty articles were deemed acceptable for review following the inclusion and exclusion criteria set. UAE is a viable alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy, as the reviewed literature demonstrated that the reported radiation exposure doses appear to be below the threshold for any deterministic radiation risks. The total radiation exposure of UAE patients is affected independently by multiple patient, operator expertise and technique, angiographic imaging and x-ray unit variables. Uterus preservation can be attained post-UAE with dose reduction and optimisation, however, a longitudinal study on UAE patients and their risk of radiation-induced deterministic and/or stochastic effects is recommended.

A clinical audit on the efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic adenomyosis: Results in 117 women.

BACKGROUND: Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a possible uterine-sparing treatment option for women with unsuccessful conservative management for adenomyosis-related heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and dysmenorrhoea. AIM: To conduct a clinical audit on the efficacy and safety of UAE for symptomatic adenomyosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 309 women who underwent UAE identified 117 women with magnetic resonance imaging features of adenomyosis (junctional zone thickness ≥ 12 mm). Overall success and HMB control were rated by women. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Uterine Fibroid Symptom and health-related Quality of Life (UFS-QoL) symptoms score and quality of life score were also used to measure outcome. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen women (98%) were available for outcome evaluation. The mean follow-up was 22.5 months. Overall clinical success was achieved in 102/115 (89%) women; HMB control was achieved in 91/104 (88%); dysmenorrhea relief was achieved in 94/104 (90%), with VAS reduction of 6.13 (P < 0.001), Mean symptoms score was reduced from 58 to 17 at 12 months (P < 0.001) and QoL score increased from 42 to 88 at 12 months (P < 0.001). Hysterectomy was performed on six (5%) women. There were three (3%) mild groin haematomatas and three (3%) mild subacute complications (one possible endometritis, two urinary tract infections; all responded to oral antibiotics). Two women had unintended pregnancies which were complicated. CONCLUSIONS: In this clinical audit UAE was found to be an effective uterine-sparing option for women who had unsuccessful conservative treatments for adenomyosis-related HMB and dysmenorrhoea. There were no major complications. Two women had unintended pregnancies that were complicated.

Migration of a strand of four seeds in low-dose-rate brachytherapy.

We report a case of stranded-seed migration (one strand of four seeds), via the prostatic venous plexus to the internal pudendal vein, in low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy. A 70-year-old man with low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma underwent transperineal permanent seed implantation. A total of 93 iodine-125 seeds were implanted (91 stranded seeds and 2 loose seeds). Immediate postimplantation fluoroscopic image and day 1 postimplantation CT scan indicated all implanted seeds to be within the vicinity of the prostate as planned. Day 30 pelvic X-ray and CT scan revealed migration of a strand of four seeds to the right pelvis (adjacent to ischial spine). At 2 years postimplantation, the patient continues to have good disease control with prostate specific antigen level of 0.69 µg/L, and asymptomatic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of migration of an entire strand of seeds following LDR prostate brachytherapy.

Efficacy of uterine artery embolisation for treatment of symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis - an interim report on an Australian experience.

BACKGROUND: Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has been widely described internationally, however there is a paucity of data reported from Australia. AIM: To conduct a local audit on the efficacy and safety of UAE treating symptomatic fibroids and adenomyosis. METHODS: Clinical data of 76 consecutive UAEs were reviewed. Degree of fibroid-related symptoms before embolisation and at follow-up visits were compared. Procedural and subsequent complications were recorded. Uterine and fibroid volumes were measured on MRI at baseline and six months post-UAE. RESULTS: Seventy-six UAEs were performed in 75 women. Fifty-nine women had follow-up duration of more than six months, and one woman was lost to follow-up. Clinical success was 93% overall (n = 59) and 96% for menorrhagia (n = 49). For dysmenorrhoea (n = 36), 89% of women had at least some improvement, 75% had significant improvement and 56% had resolution of pain. For urinary symptoms (n = 32), 97% of women had at least some improvement and 50% had resolution of all urinary symptoms. Adenomyosis was found in 17 (29%) women treated. The primary success rate was 96%, and secondary success rate (after repeat UAE) was 100%. MRI showed 50% uterine volume reduction and 60% dominant fibroid volume reduction. There were no significant procedural-related acute complications. There were three possible cases of endometritis, two managed conservatively and one required hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This audit, based on local Australian experience, has confirmed that UAE is a safe and highly effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids and/or adenomyosis.

In vivo real-time diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in situ by contact rhinoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal dysplasia or nasopharyngeal carcinoma in situ (NPCIS) lesions have rarely been reported. Timely diagnosis of the preinvasive lesion may improve prognosis. Contact endoscopy has been documented to accurately differentiate normal cells of the nasopharynx from malignant cells and allows a real-time diagnosis of primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a clinical setting. However, the role of contact endoscopy in the diagnosis of NPCIS is unknown. METHODS: The superficial cells of the nasopharynx in a patient with NPCIS were examined in vivo under local anaesthesia by use of a contact rhinoscope. The contact endoscopic findings were correlated with the histologic findings of the biopsy. RESULTS: The atypical cells of the lesion were magnified and visualized under contact endoscopy. Histopathologic analysis of the biopsied tissue confirmed the presence of NPCIS staining positively for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA (EBER). No cell-free EBV DNA was detected in the sera of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Contact endoscopy can accurately identify the atypical cells of a tiny preinvasive lesion in the nasopharynx in a clinical setting, which may not be evident in routine imaging examination.